Nick Clegg criticised after calling for more changes to NHS reform bill

Nick Clegg has been accused of ‘self-serving posturing’ after he called for further changes to the governmentâs health bill.

Anger: Protesters against NHS reforms at Westminster Picture: LNP

The deputy prime minister told Liberal Democrat MPs and peers he supported âfive finalâ changes to the Health and Social Care Bill to ârule out beyond doubt any threat of a US-style market in the NHSâ.

The changes include reducing the remit of the competition commission, creating a watchdog to require foundation trusts put patientsâ interests first, and insulating the NHS from the full force of competition law to prevent private takeovers of hospitals.

Mr Clegg insisted he would support the bill once the changes were made.

Nick Clegg has called for further changes to the governmentâs health bill (Picture: AFP)

But shadow health secretary Andy Burnham demanded to know why it had taken Mr Clegg almost two years to oppose a bill he has, until now, supported. âSadly for the NHS, we find ourselves in this unacceptable position, with these half-hearted efforts at the 11th hour, because Clegg and co havenât had the guts to stand up to Mr Cameron,â he said.

âCleggâs self-serving posturing will only strengthen Labourâs call for this damaging bill to be dropped.â

Prime minister David Cameronâs spokesman insisted there was no âneed for further significant changesâ.

The bill will continue to be discussed in the House of Lords on Wednesday.